You've Forgotten Baby Cot: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secure sides, so you can be certain that your baby is safe throughout the day. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their baby while they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl, these sides are dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them around easily.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features, like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years of age depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't need to bend over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which cot will best suit your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great choice for babies who do not sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified as meeting British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which led to the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and infants could catch their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It comes with a wide variety of mattress bases and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings, as it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't be snagged in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing cheap cots , you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a top option for parents who value durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and includes storage drawers and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child outgrows it, while others have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in any room. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your baby. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a range of furniture that can be used with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), once it's constructed it's light and durable. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other nursery furniture if you're going for a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but easily accessible. These cots have a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even be converted into a junior bed after your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it comes with many features like an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, though, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.